Gold Coast in Australia offers many great destinations and activities that you can enjoy while travelling with your friends and family. These five are just some of the most popular and loved ones among the tourists.
Surfers Paradise Beach
One of the best days you could possibly spend at the Gold Coast is by sunbathing at one of their most beautiful beaches. Surfers Paradise Beach offers one of the best views, crystal clear water, warm sandy beach and many different possibilities for outdoor activities that you simply mustn’t miss out on. This stunning three-kilometre beach is one of the cleanest and picturesque views you’ll ever see. It is also a great safe space for kids to play and splash around in the shallows or build sandcastles. It is also one of the best destinations for passionate surfers who get to enjoy surfing on gentle swells as well as challenging themselves with bigger waves. There are also many great shops, cafes, and restaurants that you can visit along the shore.
Lifeguard patrol is active 365 days of the year. Still, making sure you stay between the red and yellow flags at all times is strongly advised. You can visit the beach at night as well. The whole beach is illuminated so that you can take a soothing evening strolls with your friends or family. And on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays you can visit the Surfers Paradise beachfront Market where you can buy anything from clothes, photographs, and art, to jewellery and souvenirs.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are interested in discovering the local wildlife, the best way to do it is by visiting the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. It is a well-known wildlife park on the Gold Coast, owned by a non-profit organisation called National Trust of Queensland. If you are a bird lover, you will especially enjoy this park. There are hundreds of different birds species that you will get to see up close and some of them will even let you feed them.
Some other highlights of this park are the free-flight bird show, Segway tours, a Tarzan-worthy Adventure Park High Ropes Course, and a little train tour perfect for toddlers. Some other wild animals that you will be able to see at this park are kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles. All of the money that goes into this park is donated to support the animals living in it.
Sea World
Another great destination where you can see animals up close is the Sea World. It is the largest marine park in the whole of Australia. You will get to enjoy many exhibits and shows out there. From performing dolphins, sea lions, to Jet-Ski stunts, you won’t get bored. You will be able to see wild animals such as polar bears, penguins during their feeding presentations, as well as some tropical species such as sharks and rays. The park also has many exciting sea-themed rides like roller coasters. After experiencing wild roller coasters and animal shows, the small water park is where you can cool off and relax.
Burleigh Heads Beach
Some of the most popular activities at the Gold Coast are swimming and surfing and one of the best destinations for those activities is the Burleigh Heads Beach. Beautifully embellished with Norfolk pines and Pandanus trees, this stunningly beautiful beach with white sand is located about halfway between Surfers Paradise Beach and Coolangatta. It is one of the best holiday spots around Queensland you could choose to visit with your family or friends.
Surfers love this place because it offers some of the most exciting surfing pint breaks on the northern side, while also providing options for surfing areas near the outer bar. Swimming is advised in two areas patrolled by professionally trained lifeguards at Burleigh and North Burleigh. It is an ideal beach for family trips. There is also a park near the beach that offers a barbecue and many picnic nooks. You will also be able to find cafes and shops near the beach.
If you are more interested in exploring the wildlife around this beach you can always visit the Burleigh Head National Park or maybe rent Gold Coast fishing charters with friends and family and experience the sea wildlife of the ocean up close.
South Stradbroke Island
Lastly, if you want to escape the Gold Coast and its buzz, you can always find your peaceful area on South Stradbroke Island. It is usually referred to as “South Straddie” by the locals and it is a beautiful 21-kilometre long island 200 metres away from the Main beach of Gold Coast. Some of the popular activities on this island are swimming, surfing, snorkelling, sea kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Just make sure to be aware of the local wildlife. Many species such as wallabies, bandicoots, sugar-gliders, blue-tongued lizards, snakes, and many species of birds call this island their home. You can either choose to visit this island on a day trip or stay overnight. There are many great options for longer stay such as rentals and apartments that you can choose from.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many great activities that you can try out on the Gold Coast in Australia. Whether you want to experience wild waves and try out surfing, visit the local market, see some of the sea animal exhibits, or explore the local wildlife, there are many great activities for everyone.
